Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2021 to 03/31/2021
Inyo National Forest

This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section) :
-  Projects Occurring Nationwide
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  Mammoth Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  Mono Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  Mount Whitney Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  White Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 09/13/2018
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 11/2021  		Expected:12/2021
  		12/2021 Nancy Rusho
202-731-9196
nancy.rusho@usda.gov 
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes revisions to its regulations at 36 CFR 228, Subpart A governing locatable minerals operations on National Forest System lands.A draft EIS & proposed rule should be available for review/comment in late 2020
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57214
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These regulations apply to all NFS lands open to mineral entry under the US mining laws. More Information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/geology/minerals/locatable-minerals/current-revisions.
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Inyo National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Eastern Sierra Fire Restoration and Maintenance Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/22/2019  		Expected:01/2021
  		03/2021 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Restore and maintain fire regimes to vegetation types characterized by frequent to moderate fire return intervals using prescribed fire and wildfires managed for resource benefit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56291
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The non-wilderness portions of the Inyo National Forest outside the White or Inyo Mountains.
Inyo NF Personal Use Fuelwood Program Area Assessment
CE
 - Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Scott Kusumoto
760-924-5522
skusumoto@fs.fed.us 
Description: Assessment of Inyo NF Personal Use Fuelwood Program Open areas
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55238
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest-wide assessment.
Permit Reissuances - Ongoing, various permit types
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/10/2018  		Expected:09/2021
  		10/2021 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Ongoing and continuous reissuance of various special use authorizations. Examples of these are resorts, research activities, utilities and events. For further information on any specific permit or permitted activities, contact Erin Noesser.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55278
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California, Nevada. COUNTY - Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono, Esmeralda, Mineral. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Over the entire Inyo National Forest.
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Inyo National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cottonwood Creek and Upper Owens River Wild and Scenic Management Plans
EA
 - Special area management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/18/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 07/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		03/2022 Adam Barnett
760-873-2461
adam.barnett@usda.gov 
Description: Developing a Wild and Scenic River Management Plan for two designated rivers: Cottonwood Creek in the White Mountains and the Owens River Headwaters.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57325
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Owens River Headwaters, including Deadman and Glass Creeks, in Mono County, from the headwaters to the private land boundary downstream of Hwy 395, and Cottonwood Creek in the White Mountains.
ECV Monument Special Use Permit Renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Carmen John
760-873-2510
cjohn@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a new permit to the Slim Princess Chapter of E. Clampus Vitus authorizing five historical markers located at various locations on the south zone Inyo National Forest. New permit term will be for 10 years.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50842
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Buttermilk Road near junction of Hwy 168; Parcher's Resort, South Fork Bishop Creek; Cardinal Gold Mine, Bishop Creek; Hwy 395 20 North of Bishop Sherwin Grade; Intake 2, Bishop Creek.
Inyo County Road easements on four roads
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management
- Road management 		 Completed  Actual: 12/10/2020  12/2020 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal is to provide easements to Inyo County on four roads to allow for continued road maintenance by Inyo County under a legal instrument.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57322
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Throughout Inyo County, including County, Onion Valley, Foothill, and Death Valley roads.
University of CA Santa Barbara research study "Effects of nonnative trout introduction."
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/24/2019  		Expected:02/2021
  		03/2021 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Multi year study from the Young Lab in wilderness locations, @ Golden Lake, No Name Lake, Fifth & Six Lake on WMRD, and heart Lake, Bench Lake, Matlock Lake and Flower Lake on MWRD;includes various temporary installations and collections.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56520
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mount Whitney Ranger District, Inyo National Forest Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multi year study from the Young Lab in wilderness locations, @ Golden Lake, No Name Lake, Fifth & Six Lake on WMRD, and heart Lake, Bench Lake, Matlock Lake and Flower Lake on MWRD;includes various t.
Valley Electric Authority Nevada Broadband Installation
EA
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Valley Electric Authority (VEA), a Nevada utility company, is proposing to add broadband cables to existing utility lines, and renew their Special Use Permit. There would be about 10.5 miles of cable added to overhead lines, and 200 feet underground.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51065
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mono Ranger District. STATE - Nevada. COUNTY - Esmeralda, Mineral. LEGAL - Township 1N, Range 32 East and Range 33 East, and Township 2N, Range 33E. Along Highway 6 in Nevada, on the East side of Montgomery Pass, near the Esmeralda, Mineral County line.
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Inyo National Forest,   Mammoth Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Airport Pit Disposal Site Permit Renewal
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2021  		Expected:02/2021  04/2021 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissuance of special use permit to the Town of Mammoth Lakes for operation of clean waste disposal at the Airport Pit
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47812
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mammoth Airport Pit.
Lakes Basin Connector Trails Enhancement
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/10/2020  		Expected:01/2021
  		08/2021 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Construction of 15 miles of new natural surfaced multi-use, non-motorized trails in the Sherwins and Lakes Basin area, near Mammoth Lakes, CA. The trails will be constructed and maintained in partnership with the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58276
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sherwins and Lakes Basin areas near the Town of Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Laurel Ponds Monitoring Wells Replacement
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2020  		Expected:12/2020  01/2021 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Mammoth Community Water District is proposed to replace four existing monitoring wells around Laurel Ponds, on the Mammoth Ranger District and abandon the existing wells. The wells are needed to comply with State Water Board regulations
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59204
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - MDM, T.4S, R 2 E., Sec 9. On the North side of Laurel Ponds near the town of Mammoth lakes, CA.
Long Valley Exploration Drilling Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2021  		Expected:03/2021  04/2021 Colleen Garcia
760-873-2424
colleenggarcia@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Long Valley Exploration Drilling Project proposes to drill up to 3 core borings on up to 14 drill pads, to evaluate the mineral potential within the Long Valley area, near Lake Crowley. Access may include driving on existing roads and temp roads.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59294
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Township 3 S, Range 28 E, Section 26. Township 3S, Range 28E, Section 26, Mt. Diablo Meridian.
New Verizon Communication Tower at the Garage near Canyon Lodge
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special area management
- Special use management 		 Completed  Actual: 06/18/2020  10/2020 Lawson Reif
760-914-1933
lawson.reif@usda.gov 
Description: Verizon Wireless is seeking to improve communications service in the area near Hwy 203, (Minaret Rd) area near Canyon Lodge
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 9001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes.
Vista Towers, multi-carrier facility at Little Antelope Communication Site
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Placement of multi-carrier building and tower at the Little Antelope Communications Site
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47317
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - MDB&M, T. 3S., 28E., Sec 33. Little Antelope Communications Site, north of the Mammoth Yosemite Airport.
Woolly's Adventure Summit Summer Uses Project and Mammoth Mountain Snowmaking Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 02/15/2020  		Expected:03/2021
  		06/2021 Janelle Walker
760-924-5523
janellelwalker@fs.fed.us 
Description: MMSA proposes to expand year-round activities at the existing 55-acre Woolly's Adventure Summit tube park, located inside of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area INF permit area along State Route 203, and improve the snowmaking system throughout the MMSA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54453
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located inside of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area INF permit area.
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Inyo National Forest,   Mono Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Caltrans Gaz-Ex permit renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2021  		Expected:02/2021  03/2021 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Special Use Permit reissuance to the California Department of Transportation for avalanche control systems located in the June Lake and Lee Vining areas.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52614
Location: UNIT - Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mt. Downs, above south June Lake Junction, and Lee Vining Hill, north of Lee Vining.
Driveway permit to private residence located in the Peterson Tract, June Lake Area
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issuance of a special use authorization for driveway for private residence
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47810
Location: UNIT - Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. June Lake Loop, between Highway 158 and private property located in Peterson Tract.
Lee Vining spring water diversion and water pipeline permit reissuance
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 10/21/2020  10/2020 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Permit reissuance for water transmission pipeline and a spring diversion works to Lee Vining PUD, in Lee Vining Canyon. The water supply is about 5,357 feet long, and is underground. Eight foot right-of-way.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55021
Location: UNIT - Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - T1N, R26E, Sec. 17 & 19, and T1N, R25E, Sec 24. Lee Vining Canyon.
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Inyo National Forest,   Mount Whitney Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Kern Plateau Grazing Allotments Analysis
EIS
 - Grazing management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Margaret Wood
760-873-2515
mwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Review and analysis of the Monache, Mulkey, Templeton and Whitney grazing allotments in the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Mt Whitney Ranger District
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34380
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Tulare. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Templeton/Whitney Grazing Allotments in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Lone Pine Tribe installation of a water tank and water lines
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Indian Health Services on behalf of the Lone Pine Tribe has proposed the installation of a water tank and water lines in the Indian Cemetery vicinity, west of Lone Pine. Project travels from Tribal lands, thru LADWP lands to USFS lands.
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Lone Pine, CA on USFS lands west of HWY 395.
MCS Old 49er Mine Exploration and Production Plan of Operations
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Colleen Garcia
760-873-2424
colleenggarcia@fs.fed.us 
Description: MCS Old 49er Mine Exploration and Production Plan of Operation located in Mazourka Canyon within the Inyo National Forest
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50746
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - CAMC 31348 Township 12S A Range 36 East Section 31 SW. Lode Mine tunnel and adjacent cabin at CAMC 31348 Township 12S A Range 36 East Section 31 SW.
Thacher School Term Permit Reissuance for Golden Trout Wilderness School
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/02/2019  		Expected:12/2021
  		01/2022 Jacqueline Beidl
(509) 653-1432
jbeidl@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissuance of a ten year term permit to The Thacher School for operation and maintenance of Golden Trout Wilderness School in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52420
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - T16.5S R35E Section 33 and T17S R35E Section 3 as shown on the Cirque Peak, California 7.5 minute USGS Topographic Map. UTM Zone 11, 394616mE, 4038284mN. . On Cottonwood Creek in the Golden Trout Wilderness at a location just south of the John Muir Wilderness. The camp is roughly 2.5 miles north of the Horseshoe Meadow Trailhead.
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Inyo National Forest,   White Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Birchim Community Services District water tank and pipeline permit reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: reissue a permit to the Birchim Community Services District for operation and maintenance of two water tanks, and approximately 500 feet of water line, for water tapped from a system located on private property. Serves the community of Sunny Slopes.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55020
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - T4S, R30E, Sections 28 and 29. Near the community of Sunny Slopes, in the vicinity of Tom's Place, California, northeast of highway 395.
LADWP Long Valley Pole Removal and Pole Replacement Project
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: LADWP Utility Maintenance Project:1)removal of poles & replacement of poles in one line and 2)removal of poles & rehab in second line, 3)relinquish poles
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. LADWP locations of distribution line maintenance work is on a combination of LADWP and INF lands, staring at the Upper Gorge power plant down to the Long Valley Dam, on the White Mtn. Ranger District.
Southern California Edison Control-Silver Peak 55kV Reliability Project
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Installation of remote fault indicators, packet routers, and installation of remote switches along with poles replacements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54262
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Silver Canyon, east of Bishop, CA.
Starlite water tank and pipeline permit reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissue a 20 year permit for an existing 50,000 gallon water storage reservoir and pipeline, used by the community of Starlite.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55023
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - T7S, R31E, Sections 23 and 27. Directly south of the community of Starlite, which is east of Bishop, California.
Univ. of Nevada, Reno research study "Common Grounds" on the White Mtn. Ranger District.
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/24/2019  		Expected:01/2021
  		02/2021 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: This study addresses a significant knowledge gap in variation in seedling traits and success in high-elevation conifer forests, which play a critical role in providing water through snowpack stabilization.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56522
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bishop Creek and White Mountains.
University of CA Riverside "Fungal-plant-pollinator phenology shifts in response to climate change"
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/24/2019  		Expected:01/2021
  		02/2021 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Goal is to determine how plant & insect pollinator phenology changes along an elevational gradient in an alpine environment, & to examine the cross-generational effects of mycorrhiza and elevation on plant phenotype, in plots within White Mountains.
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. White Mountains on the White Mountain Ranger District.
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